odditudes-and-weirdities

Former prisoners of war, the Battle of Bataan, changing your name, British politician Winston Churchill, a British captain who lost an ear, the gin and tonic cocktail, Chinese almond cookies, and antiques form the inspiration behind today's observances: Bataan Day Jenkins's Ear Day Name  Yourself Day National Cherish an Antique Day National Chinese Almond Cookie Day National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day National Gin and Tonic Day Winston Churchill Day On this date in 1963 Winston Churchill was named an honorary US citizen. On this date in 1942 and after 3 months of holding on against the Japanese, the US and Philipine military finally surrendered, effectively giving Japan control of most of Southeast Asia. Though a defeat, the 3 months of the battle is credited with slowing down Japan, eventually allowing the Allies to turn the tide of the war. Around this date in 1931 Robert Jenkins, a private ship captain, had his ear cut off by a Spanish privateer, precipitating t...